The Triple Crown is one of the most respected and well known horse racing events.
This is something that horse racing enthusiasts and even those who do not follow the sport know about. It is a crowning glory of horse racing and winners of the Triple Crown are highly regarded in the sport.
The Racesrefers to three races, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. They are run in that order. When a horse wins all three races, they are a Triple Crown winner and become a legend.
The Triple Crown starts in May on the first Saturday with the Kentucky Derby. The Preakness is two weeks after. finishes in early June with the Belmont Stakes.
The Kentucky Derby is a quartermile track located at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Preakness Stakes is 1 3/16 miles long held at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Belmont Stakes is a half mile track at Belmont Park in Belmont, New York. Horses must run in all three races to qualify to be the Triple Crown winner.
There have only been 11 Triple Crown winners with the last winner being in 1978.
Sir Barton
The first winner of the Triple Crown was Sir Barton in 1919. The phrase Triple Crown was not created at that time, but he was the actual first winner of all three races.
Gallant Fox
Gallant Fox was the first winner to actually be called the Triple Crown winner. He won in 1930. Gallant Fox was one of the streak of winners in the 1930s and 1940s. He is also the only winner to sire another winner, Omaha.
Affirmed
Affirmed was the last horse to win the Triple Crown. Affirmed claimed the title in 1978.
Winning the Triple Crown
Winning the Triple Crown has proven to be a difficult feat. As mentioned, in the 1930s and 1940s the majority of Triple Crown winners were made. The last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978.
There have been numerous horses that have managed to claim 2 of the races but have failed to get the third. Some have come very close with first place finishes in two of the races and then placing in the last race.
Real Quiet was the closest is 1998. He won the first two races and lost the last race by only a nose length. Another close call was Charismatic in 1999 that won the first two races and was on his way to win the last when he broke his leg and ended in third. However, without all three wins a horse cannot be a Triple Crown winner.
Winning Triple Crown is a major event. As the last race nears, excitement builds when a horse is set to claim the crown. This is common and occurs almost every year. One horse is set up to win and everything hangs on that last race.
It is one of the most thrilling moments in horse racing. People come from around the world to experience the celebration when a horse claims the Triple Crown. After a 30year drought, we are eager to see it happen once again.
Simon M Skinner assists withruns internet marketing for BetAmerica - the top online US horse racing betting website.
- The Triple Crown The History behind the Name Most horse enthusiasts, gamblers and horseracing lovers know exactly what the Triple Crown is. Its three exciting races spread throughout May and early June the...
- Notable Triple Crown Contenders and Winners America has not seen a Triple Crown winner since June 7, 1978. This 31 year drought is the longest in Triple Crown history, but there...
- The Best Horse Race Ever There may be a lot of dispute on which race is considered to be the best horse race ever, but since we are writing this...
- The Many Faces Of Horse Racing Horse racing is one of the world’s oldest sports. It is followed world wide with ardor and passion. The aspect of betting, adds a flavor...
- The Principal Races of Churchill Downs Churchill Downs is the well-known home of the Kentucky Derby, but it also hosts several other popular and important horse races. In addition to the...